FAMILY LAW FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions about Maryland Family Law)
Q: Is there a waiting period for a divorce in Maryland?
A: In order to obtain an absolute divorce in Maryland, the parties must have been separated for 1 year. There are grounds for divorce that, if proven, will allow you to obtain a divorce in a less than a year.
Q: What is legal custody?
A: Legal custody is the right and obligation to make decisions involving education, religious training, medical choices, and other matters concerning a child's life and welfare.
Q: What is physical custody?
A: Physical custody means having the minor child/children with you in your home and taking care of the child while they are in your care.
Q: What is mediation?
A: Mediation is an informal process where a neutral person called the "mediator" helps parties to discuss, negotiate, and reach an agreement to resolve a conflict or dispute.
Q: How does mediation work?
A: The parties meet with a mediator in one or more sessions and the mediator works with them to move toward an agreement.
Q: What is a prenuptial agreement?
A: A prenuptial agreement is a contract between prospective spouses which addresses any alimony and/or property rights of parties should they divorce after being married.
Q: What is Collaborative Law?
A: Collaborative Law is an alternative resolution mechanism for disputes. Collaborative Law encourages open, transparent, mature, and cooperative behavior between parties. The parties and their attorneys enter into a Participation Agreement, which defines the environment in which the parties and their counsel commit to reach efficient and mutually agreeable settlements without court intervention. The result of the collaborative law process is a settlement agreement and a judgment of divorce through an uncontested court hearing.
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